DND hails US pledge to boost defense, economic ties

Dr. Peter Paul Galvez. Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of National Defense on Friday welcomed the United States pledge to help the Philippines step up its defenses and boost economic cooperation.

DND spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said the resolution was “a restatement of commitment” of the US even as he denied it was linked to the Philippines territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“Definitely this would concretize the commitment of US government to the Philippine government working together,” Galvez told reporters in a press briefing.

On Tuesday, US Senator for Indiana Senator Richard Lugar  introduced a resolution commemorating the 60th anniversary of the United States – Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty

“The United States – Philippines relationship represents shared sacrifice in defense of freedom. While historically we have worked well together on multiple fronts, it is necessary that the two countries discern new ways to expand trade, account for their mutual defense and promote stability throughout the region,” Lugar said.

The cooperation comes as the Philippines — a US treaty ally — sees particularly tense relations with China, which has butted heads with a number of its neighbors in recent years over territorial disputes in strategic waters.

Friction escalated in April when Chinese and Philippine vessels approached the Scarborough Shoal, which lies near the main Philippine island of Luzon. Manila says the rock formation falls within its exclusive economic zone, but China claims the shoal along with nearly all of the West Philippine Sea.

“We’ve had long relationship with the US…even before certain events took place. We’re looking forward to enhancing relationship with other countries,” Galvez said. With Agence France-Presse